SportsMaze

What you can't watch without

The rules you will see every few minutes, in the order you meet them. Each opens on its answer.

B · Beginner · 6 rules · Step 1 of 4

The general rules

  1. What are the basic rules of pool?Pool is played on a cloth-covered table with six pockets.
  2. What does "ball in hand" mean in pool?With the cue ball in hand, the shooter may place it anywhere on the table and keep moving it until they shoot.

Fouls

  1. What happens when you foul in pool?The general rules list the fouls, and each game says which apply and what they cost.

8-ball

  1. How do you play 8-ball?8-ball uses fifteen numbered balls and the cue ball.
  2. How do you choose solids or stripes in 8-ball?After the break the table is open: neither player has a group.

9-ball and 10-ball

  1. How do you play 9-ball?9-ball uses nine balls numbered 1 to 9.
I · Intermediate · 8 rulesNext: intermediate rules